The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that catcher Chris Stewart will get his right knee checked out by Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday. There is a good chance that Stewart might need surgery. Stewart last played in a game on March 12th, and injured the knee during the game.
The Pirates were projected to enter the season with Stewart as the backup catcher to Russell Martin. If they don’t add anyone else, then Tony Sanchez would be the next option to serve as the backup. Sanchez has a better bat than Stewart, but Stewart has better defensive skills. It’s also possible that the Pirates could look to add another backup catcher, preserving their depth in the event that Russell Martin or Sanchez get injured. They probably wouldn’t go that route until more is known on Stewart. Aside from Martin and Sanchez, the only catchers remaining in Major League camp are Nevin Ashley and Omir Santos.
More will be reported when Stewart’s diagnosis is known, and when it is known if he will miss any time.
UPDATE 4:19 PM: Chris Cotillo says the Pirates fear Stewart has a torn meniscus, and surgery is “probable”.
#Pirates fear Chris Stewart has torn meniscus in right knee. Surgery "probable", pending Dr. Andrews' evaluation on Wednesday.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 17, 2014